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Driveway installers · London

Block paving driveways in London.

Block paving suits everything from a 1930s semi to a modern forecourt. We lay concrete and clay blocks on a compacted, well-drained base, with bonds, borders and kerbs set out to suit your property.

Placeholder photo: block paving
  • Freesite survey & written quotation
  • London-wideNorth, South, East & West
  • In-houseinstallation team confirm
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Laid block by block. Built to carry weight.

Block paving is made up of individual concrete or clay blocks laid on a bed of sharp sand over a compacted sub-base, then locked together with kiln-dried jointing sand. Because each block is separate, the surface can flex slightly with the ground and individual blocks can be lifted and relaid if a repair is ever needed.

It is a strong choice where vehicles turn and park every day, and where you want a border, a pattern or a colour change to define parking, paths and planting.

Permeable or standard block paving?

Standard block paving has tight joints, so water runs off the surface to a drain, channel or soft landscaping.

Permeable block paving has wider joints filled with fine aggregate and sits on an open-graded sub-base, so rainwater soaks through.

For front gardens over 5m², surface water planning rules apply. We'll explain the options at survey.

Benefits

Why choose block paving?

  • Hard-wearing

    Designed to carry cars and vans when laid on the right sub-base.

  • Repairable

    Individual blocks can be lifted and relaid after drainage or utility work.

  • Patterns & borders

    Herringbone, basketweave and stretcher bonds with contrasting borders.

  • Permeable options

    Permeable systems available where surface water needs managing.

  • Wide colour range

    Charcoal, brindle, buff and natural tones in concrete or clay.

  • Clean lines

    Kerbs, steps and edges finished neatly against brickwork and lawns.

Uses

Residential. Commercial.

Residential

  • Full driveway replacements
  • Front garden to driveway conversions
  • Side paths and patio links
  • Driveway extensions and widening

Commercial

  • Forecourts and drop-off areas
  • Residential estate parking bays
  • Retail frontages and commercial yards specification dependent
  • Pedestrian routes and access paths

Options

Choices to make.

  • Block type

    Concrete blocks, tumbled blocks or clay pavers.

  • Laying pattern

    Herringbone for driveways under traffic; other bonds for paths and borders.

  • Colour & border

    Single colour, blends, or a contrasting border and feature bands.

  • Permeability

    Standard laid to falls, or a permeable system.

Samples are brought to the survey. Colours on screen are indicative only.

Groundwork

The base is what makes it last.

Most block paving problems – sinking, rutting and loose blocks – come from a thin or poorly compacted sub-base. We dig out to the depth the ground and traffic need, install a compacted sub-base, and set edge restraints so the blocks cannot creep.

  • Excavation to suit vehicle traffic and ground
  • Compacted MOT Type 1 (or open-graded for permeable)
  • Concrete-haunched edge kerbs
  • Screeded sharp sand laying course

Installation process

How we install block paving.

  1. Survey

    We check levels, drainage, access and existing services.

  2. Written quotation

    Itemised quotation covering excavation, base, edging and blocks.

  3. Excavation

    Old surface removed and dug out to depth.

  4. Sub-base & edging

    Sub-base compacted in layers; kerbs and edges concreted in.

  5. Laying & cutting

    Blocks laid to pattern and cut neatly at edges and around covers.

  6. Jointing & compaction

    Jointing sand brushed in, surface compacted and cleaned.

How long does it take?

A typical domestic block paving driveway takes around four to eight working days, depending on size, the depth of excavation, the amount of cutting and access for removing spoil.

Aftercare

Brush regularly, top up jointing sand if it washes out, and treat weeds early. A sealant can be applied to help resist staining – we'll explain the pros and cons.

Project gallery

Block Paving projects.

Gallery images are royalty-free placeholders and do not show Pavdrive installations.

Cost factors

What affects the cost?

Every site is different, so we don’t publish set prices. After a free site survey you’ll receive an itemised quotation showing exactly what is included.

  • Area & shape

    Curves and irregular shapes increase cutting time.

  • Excavation depth

    Ground conditions and traffic determine how deep we dig.

  • Block choice

    Concrete, tumbled or clay blocks vary in cost.

  • Pattern & borders

    Herringbone, feature bands and borders affect labour.

  • Drainage

    Channel drains, soakaways or a permeable system.

  • Access & waste

    Skip placement, grab lorries and spoil volume.

FAQs

Block Paving FAQs.

Which block paving pattern is best for a driveway?

Herringbone is generally recommended where cars turn and brake because the interlock resists movement. Other bonds suit paths and borders.

Do I need permeable block paving?

If you are surfacing a front garden over 5m² and water cannot run to a permeable area within your property, a permeable surface is usually needed to stay within permitted development. Check your situation with the council; we'll advise at survey.

Why do some block driveways sink?

Usually because the sub-base was too thin or not compacted properly, or edges were not restrained. Groundwork is where we spend the time.

Can block paving be repaired?

Yes. Individual blocks can be lifted and relaid, which is useful after drainage or utility work.

How long does block paving last?

It depends on the base, traffic and maintenance. A properly built sub-base and edge restraint are what give block paving a long service life.

London coverage

Driveway installers across London.

We survey and install throughout Greater London. If your postcode is close by but not listed, ask us – we’ll tell you straight away whether we can help.

Free site survey

Request your free quote.

Tell us about your driveway and we’ll arrange a site survey and an itemised written quotation. Prefer to talk?

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